HAVANA, Cuba. – Cuban experts estimated an increase in forest fires for the current year, because of the large mass of fallen trees and foliage accumulated in the soil.

This forecast is based on the ravages caused to the forests by Hurricane Irma, which hit the country last September, and Villa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila and Camaguey are among the provinces that could suffer these affectations.

According to a report of the Forest Ranger Corps of the Republic of Cuba, last year there were more than 350 fires in forested areas, with estimated economic losses in more than 27 million of pesos.

The Minister of Agriculture and President of the National Commission of Reforestation, Gustavo Rodriguez, said that according to the national policy of promoting more forest areas, fire protection should increase, as forests are heritage.